It looks like all the G-series & 800-series units (and the HD621) run on +/-12V & +5V supplies, which are commonly available from many manufacturers. Switching supplies typically produce 100-200mV ripple and noise, while good linear supplies are down at 1-2mV. That's a 40dB improvement in power supply performance, and regulation is very good as well.
These are the improvements to the internal supplies, but I believe linear supplies cause much less RF emission down the power lines to other equipment. If I recall correctly, Martin Colloms measured 10dB more noise from the system when the 800 was switched on - and he thought that was good going. So even if a switching supply is adequately filtered internally, it probably degrades everything else that's hooked-up. One of the reasons why AV systems tend to sound worse than stereo systems IMHO.
So I think there's plenty of motivation for upgrading the PSU, not only in the player or controller, but potentially in the HD621 as well. This makes me wish I still had my G68D, so I could play with it, and compare with the 861V4. Linear supplies are inevitably bigger and hotter than switching supplies, but there's usually plenty of space in there. Just watch out for disreputable suppliers. BR,Nick
Use a separate enclosed Linear supply that can power all of your SMPS Meridian Gear.
But if a SMPS is done right, many will prefer SMPS over Linear.
You be quite surprised.
Anthony
Mauimods
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